Biopsy

Biopsy – Definition

A biopsy is the removal of a sample of tissue or cells. A doctor will examine the sample under a microscope.

A biopsy may be taken from any part of the body.

Biopsy – Reasons for Procedure

A biopsy is used to see if the cells from a sample of tissue are abnormal. A biopsy is done to rule out cancer and/or to specify its type and level of aggressiveness.

Biopsies are sometimes taken to find out the cause of an unexplained:

Infection

Swelling

Growth

Common interpretations of biopsies include:

Normal tissue, no abnormalities

Irritated tissue

Not normal, but difficult to interpret

Not normal, not cancerous, but a precancerous condition

Cancer

Inconclusive

Biopsy – Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a biopsy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Bleeding

Pain

Infection

Scarring

Results that are difficult to interpret

Smoking may increase the risk of complications.

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the surgery.

Biopsy – What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure such as:

Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin)

Blood thinners, like clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)

Avoid eating or drinking after midnight if you are going to have general anesthesia. .

Biopsy – Anesthesia

The type of anesthesia used depends on what you are having biopsied:

General anesthesia — blocks pain and keeps you asleep through the procedure; given through an IV

Local anesthesia — just the area that is being operated on is numbed; given as an injection

Biopsy – Description of the Procedure

For a simple biopsy, the area will be cleaned. A numbing medicine will be injected into the area so that you will not feel pain. A piece of tissue or skin will then be removed. The opening will be closed.

The procedure that your doctor uses will depend on the type of biopsy that you are having. For example:

Needle biopsy — cells are removed using a thin needle

Aspiration biopsy — cells are drawn out with a hollow needle that uses suction

Core needle biopsy — a sample of tissue is removed using a hollow core needle that has a special cutting edge

Vacuum-assisted biopsy — a number of samples of tissue are taken using a special rotating probe

Endoscopic biopsy — the area is viewed with a long, thin tube that has a lighted camera on one end (called an endoscope); a tool is passed through the tube to take the biopsy sample

Incisional biopsy — a portion of a mass is removed by cutting it out

Excisional biopsy — a mass is completely removed (eg, breast lump)

Punch biopsy — a core of skin is removed with a special biopsy tool

Skin biopsy — a small piece of skin is cut off with a scalpel

Shave biopsy — top layers of skin are shaved off with a special blade

Bone marrow biopsy — a long needle is inserted into the bone marrow to collect cells

Biopsy – How Long Will It Take?

A simple biopsy usually takes a few minutes. A biopsy involving surgery takes longer.

Biopsy – How Much Will It Hurt?

You will have pain in the area where the sample was removed. Your doctor may give you pain medicine.

Biopsy – Average Hospital Stay

You will be able to go home after a simple biopsy. If your biopsy involved surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days.

Biopsy – Post-procedure Care

Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Take pain medicine as directed by your doctor.

To relieve discomfort, apply a warm compress or a heating pad to the area.

Ask your doctor when you should change the bandages.

Ask your doctor when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.

If you have stitches, have them removed in about a week.

Biopsy – Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the biopsy site